Oakland Raiders release Rolando McClain

The Raiders bid farewell to middle linebacker Rolando McClain on Friday while at the same time eliminating the last of the problematic contracts from the previous management regime.

McClain, a disappointment as the No. 8 overall pick out of Alabama in 2010, was due $4.05 million this season and more than $5 million in 2014. He was placed on waivers and, presuming his contract is not picked up by another team, will be an unrestricted free agent.

The Raiders have signed three linebackers since free agency began this offseason, including probable starting middle linebacker Nick Roach.

McClain was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team last season after a clash with coach Dennis Allen when informed he was losing his starting job. McClain was too often invisible on the field while creating distractions off it while in his hometown of Decatur, Ala.

In contrast to critical Facebook comments made and quickly taken down after his suspension, McClain issued a statement thanking the Raiders for allowing him a chance to start anew.

McClain's original contract included $23 million in guaranteed money.

Misdemeanor charges of third-degree assault, reckless endangerment, menacing and illegal discharge of a firearm within the city limits of Decatur in 2011 were dropped when the victim declined to assist in prosecution.

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The arrest occurred when McClain was at home for the funeral of a relative and included an embarrassing photo of him smiling while being put in a police cruiser.

Most recently, McClain was arrested in January for failing to sign a citation after being pulled over for illegal window tint.

The Raiders have more than $45 million of "dead money" applied to the salary cap through accelerated bonuses from released or traded players, limiting general manager Reggie McKenzie's ability to sign players this season. However, the Raiders might be more than $50 million under the cap in 2014.

Among those purged from the roster with substantial acceleration still on the books this season are defensive tackles Richard Seymour ($13.714 million) and Tommy Kelly ($6.324 million), quarterback Carson Palmer ($9.34 million) and wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey ($5.260 million).